Preventative Sealants

Sealants are a common procedure in our pediatric dental office in Kalamazoo, MI. As your child’s permanent teeth begin to erupt, it’s even more crucial to prevent cavities and decay. Unfortunately, molars are especially susceptible to developing cavities on the biting surfaces because of their deep grooves.

What are Sealants?

Sealants are white plastic coatings that are applied to the biting surfaces of your child’s back teeth. These coatings prevent food from becoming trapped and are highly effective at preventing decay. Sealants are easy to place, and we’ve found that children respond to the procedure well. There’s no numbing or drilling and each tooth only takes a few minutes to treat. We routinely see our sealants last up to 5 years (and more!) in some patients. But, if your child wears them down faster, they might need to be replaced much sooner.

There’s no guarantee with sealants. Your child will still need to practice healthy dental habits, but sealants are still a great insurance policy for your child’s smile.